PLANS to develop an employment precinct in Werribee appear to have been boosted following the release of a state government discussion paper on Melbourne’s future growth.
Melbourne, Let’s Talk About The Future, released by Planning Minister Matthew Guy last Friday, highlights the need for employment precincts in outer suburbs.
It says all suburbs should be no more than 20 minutes from jobs, shops and education facilities. Also mentioned was the possibility of another hospital and university campus in the western suburbs.
Wyndham Council has been advocating for increased tertiary education facilities in the municipality. In a submission to the government’s ‘Growing our Suburbs’ inquiry early this year, the council flagged the possibility of a university campus being included in the Werribee Employment Precinct. The council said the government needed to act to improve access to tertiary education for Wyndham residents.
Committee for Wyndham executive director Nik Tsardakis said the discussion paper was promising.
“The polycentric city issue is something that is critical and is something we would be pushing for with the Werribee Employment Precinct.
“The idea where everyone is 20 minutes from a job is welcome. Other cities around the world have tried this and there is no reason with some planning and some goodwill by the government that it shouldn’t happen.”
Point Cook resident Tony Hooper said the lack of nearby jobs contributed to daily peak-hour traffic snarls on the Princes Freeway.
“In a nutshell, if there was more employment in the west, then the need for public transport and road issues . . . would diminish.
“The challenge is creating these jobs.”
Submissions on the paper can be made until March 1.
More details: planmelbourne.vic.gov.au
